Upright revolving display rack

ABSTRACT

An upright revolving display rack of a type having a plurality of vertically elongated display panels disposed in angularly spaced relation and brought into view by revolving the rack about an upright axis. The rack has a frame structure for mounting the panels and which is foldable to fit in a relatively flat package and the foldable frame structure is short as compared to the vertical height of the panels so that the foldable frame structure can fit into a relatively short package. The panels are divided lengthwise into a pair of separate panel sections to allow the panels to fit in the same relatively short flat package with the foldable frame structure.

iinited States Patent [191 Bleed 1 1 UPRIGHT REVOLVING DISPLAY RACK [75] Inventor: Theodore M. Bleed, Rockford, 111.

[73] Assignee: Commercial Wire and Display Prod.

Corp., Rockford, 111.

221 Filed: Jan. 15, 1975,

[211 Appl.No.:541,124

[52] U.S.Cl. 2l1/l67t211/78; 211/178;

248/D1G. 3 [51] Int. Cl. A47F 5/02 [58] Field of Search 248/D1Ci. 3; 211/40, 44,

211/53, 55, 56, 58, 70, 77, 78, 85, 95, 1.5, 1, 115,128-131,132,l44,148,l49,l63,165, 167,168,169,175,177,l78,180,182,183,

[ 1 Nov. 4, 1975 Primary Examiner-Francis K. Zugel Assistant Examiner-Terrell P. Lewis [5 7] ABSTRACT An upright revolving display rack of a type having a plurality of vertically elongated display panels disposed in angularly spaced relation and brought into view by revolving the rack about an upright axis. The rack has a frame structure: for mounting the panels and which is foldable to- (it in a relatively flat package and the foldable frame structure is short as compared to the vertical height of the panels so that the foldable frame structure can fit into a relatively short package. The panels are divided lengthwise into a pair of separate panel sections to allow the panels to fit in the same relatively short flat package with the foldable frame structure.

12 Claim, 8 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet2of2 3,917,072

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN'ITON This invention relates to an upright revolvable display rack of the type adapted to stand on the floor and having a plurality of vertically elongated display panels disposed at angularly spaced relationship and brought into view by revolving the rack about an upright axis. in order to facilitate shipment of such racks, it has heretobefore been proposed, disclosed in the patent to T. M. Bleed, US. Pat. No.'3,092,258, to provide a frame structure for rotatably supporting the display panels in which the frame structure was foldable to a relatively flat condition for reception in a flat package with the display panels. However, such revolvable display racks are relatively tall, frequently of a height of six or seven feet, and the display rack of the abovementioned patent, even when folded, required a package having a length corresponding to the overall height of the rack. This precluded shipment of such display racks by some package delivery services which have maximum package size limitations such as I08 inches combined length and girth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION it is the general object of the present invention to provide an upright revolvable display rack which can be disassembled, folded, and packed in a relatively flat package that is short as compared to the overall height of the display rack.

Another object of this invention is to provide an upright revolvable display rack in accordancewith the foregoing object which can be made in various different heights without modification of the support structure for the display panels.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a revolvable display rack which is light in weight, economical to manufacture, and simple to erect and assemble.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a revolving display rack comprising a plurality of upright display panels mounted on a foldable framestructure for rotation about an upright post, the foldable frame structure including a plurality of upright frames mounted on hubs for relative movement between an expanded position in which the frames are angularly spaced apart around the hubs and a collapsed position in which adjacent ones of the frames are in sidewise adjacent relation for reception in a relatively flat package,

the frames having channels on opposite sides arranged ablcframe structure and the panel sections extend above and below the foldable frame structure and separate upper and lower panel connectors are provided for interconnecting the upper and lower panel sections ata level respectively above and below the foldable frame structure.

These, together with other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the. following detailed description, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FlG. l is a perspective view of a revolvable display rack embodying the present invention and with parts broken away to illustrate the features of constructions.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the display rack of FIG. 1;

FlG. 3 is a top view of the display rack of FlG. l;

FIG. '4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the plane 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the plane 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the plane 6-6 of FIG. 2; Y

HO. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane 7--7 of FlG. 4 and illustrating the unit on a larger scale and with parts of the panels broken away to shorten the overall view; and

HO. 8 is an end view of the'foldable frame structure for the display rack in a folded condition.

The revolvable display rack is adapted to stand on the floor and includes a base 10, a center post 11, attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom. and a plurality of display panels 12, herein shown four in number, mounted in angularly spaced relation about the post' for rotation relative thereto to permit the display panels and the articles carried thereon to be successively brought into view to an observer at one side of the display rack. The post 11 is rigidly secured to the base 10, but is made detachable therefrom to facilitate compact packaging, and the display panels 12 are mounted on the posts by a foldable frame structure 13 which is foldable to a relatively flat condition for compact packaging. In order to reduce the overall length of the package required for the display rack, the display panels 12 are each divided into separate upper and lower panel sections 12a and 12b respectively to allow reception of the panels in a package which is short as compared to the overall height of the display rack, and the frame structure 13 is also made short as compared to the overall height of the display rack, and preferably no taller than the height of the individual panel sections 12a, 12b so that the foldable frame structure is also receivable in the same shoirt relatively flat package with the panel sections 12a, 12b. The panel sections have their adjacent ends supported by the foldable frame structure 13 and the upper and lower panel sections respectively extend above and below the foldable frame structure, and upper and lower panel connectors l4, 15

j are provided for respectively interconnecting the upper and lower panel sections at levels above and below the foldable frame structure. The lower panel connector means is rotatably supported onthe center post It to support the panel sections against downward move ment.

The foldable frame structure includes a hub means 21, 22 which is rotatably mounted on the post ll and a plurality of frames 23 which are mounted on the hub at angularly spaced locations for movement between an extended and a collapsed condition to enable reception in a relatively flat package. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper hub member 21 includes a sleeve portion 21a which rotatably surrounds the post ll, and an outwardly extending flange portion 21b. The lower hub member 22 also includes. a sleeve portion 22a that surroundsthe post ll and an outwardlyfe'xtendingflange portion 22b. The. sleeve-portion2la of the uppenhubs' preferably spaced outwardly fromthe shait' toallowu limited radial shifting movement of the .hub. for spurl pose described fully hereinafter. The frames 23; each extending ends-24a, 25a extending throughopenings at thereafter folding the frames'alongside and adjacent frame asshown in FIG. 8.

The foldableframe. structure is rotatably supported on thepost at aselected level'above the lower end of thepostand as best shown in FIG. 7, a thrust bearing 35 isydisposed below the'lower hub member 22. The thrust bearingis hereinshown in the form of an anti- I r friction type having anti-friction bearing elements 35a include supper and lowerarms 24,125 havingllaterally equi-angularly spaced locations in theflange portions l 2lb.22b of the hub members. The, frames eachhave first and second upright channels 26, 27 secured to OP,

posite sides of the upright and lowerarrns 24, 25 at cations spaced outwardly from the hubs'for receiving' interposed:between-washers 35b and 350. The upper washer 35b underlies and engages the lower end of the foldable frame structure and a stop means, such as a pin 36that extends through an opening in the post, en-

thedisplay panels 12. The channels26 and 27; are ar- 1.

ranged so that, when the frames are in their expanded-1 condition shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,- a channel 26 on one side of one frame opens toward the channel 2710a the r a other side of the adjacent frame to define an oppositely facing pair of channelswhich slidably receive the dis-j q play panels. in the preferred-embodiment iliustratedfl one of the channels 26 is spaced relatively closerto the hub than the other channel 27 and the upper and lower arms 24, are angulated intermediate their ends and adjacent the channel26 so that the inner portions 24b,

25b of the arms extend generallyfradiallyof the hub while the outer portions 24c, 25c extendtgene'rally parailel to a plane through an opposed pair of channels 26, 27 on adjacent frames, when the framesare in their exgages the lower thrust washer to limit downward movechannels 26, 27 on adjacent "frames with the ends of the panel sections in abutting relation to form a continuous display panel 12. The foldable frame structure is made relatively short flat package withthe foldable frame structure. The upper and lower panel sections respectively extend above and below the foldable frame structure l3 and the upper'and lower panel connectors 14 and 15respectively connect the upper and lower panel panded position shown'in FIGS. 4 and 5. The portions 24c, 250 of the arms 24 and 25 are preferablyspaced somewhat from their respective display panel, 12 so as to not interferewith the mounting of the article mounting hooks 50 on the display panels, and the arms' 24, 25 each have a laterally extending portion 24d, 25d at the outer ends which is connected to the outer channel 27. A handle is preferablyprovided on'the arms outwardly of theouter channel 27 to facilitateturning of the display rack and,conveniently,the handle is in the form of.

sections together at levels above and below the foldable frame structure. The lower panelconnector member 15 -is advantageously dimensioned tolie wholly inwardlybf the display panels 12 and comprises a rigid frame structure 41 having'a configuration corresponding to the shape of the space inwardly of the display panels, when the latter are in their erected condition as shown in FlGS.,3-6.An auxiliary hub 42 is secured to the frame structure 41 as by cross members 43 and the auxiliary'hub 42 has a sleeve 42a that closely surrounds the post 11 to maintain the lower ends of the panel sections centered thereon." Studs 41a are attached to the nels 27.

As previously described, the frames 23 are foldable relative to the hub to a relatively flat condition for compact packaging. One pair of frames 23 can be rigidly secured to the hubs 21, 22 as by welding indicated at 29 i in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, tomaintainthe hubs in axial spaced relation. The other pair of frames are 'swingable about the ends 24a, 25a of the anns 24, 25 to an ex panded position extending outwardly at an'gularly, l t spaced locations from the hub as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, and a collapsed condition in which adjacentframes t are disposed sidewiseadjacent'relation-as-j'shown in posed pair of channels on adjacent frames, are effective to hold the frames in an expanded condition. l-iowe'verg 5 FIG. 8. The display panels 12, when inserted inthe opframe structure 41 and extend outwardly from each side and the studs are adapted to extend through openings in the lower ends of the lower panel sections and to receive nuts41b for rigidly securing the lower panel to 7 the lower connector member. The panels 12 are slidablyreceived in the opposed'channels on the foldable frame structure'and a thrust bearing means is provided for engaging the lower panel connector 15 to rotatably support the panelsagainst downward movement. As shown in FIG. 7, the thrust bearing means includes a second thrust bearing 45 positioned tounderlie and support the lower-panel connector 15 on the post 11. The lower thrust bearing 45 also preferably is of the anti-friction type including anti-friction elements 45a and thrust-plates45b,.45c..Thrust plate 45b underlies the lower panel; connector member 15 and thrustplate 45c is supportedon-thepost as by'a pin 46 that extends in orderto facilitate assemblyof thefdisplay panels on I the foldable frame structure, a means is advantageously provided for releasably lockingthe frames in their ex-:.'

panded condition. As shown in FlGS.;4,7,"- and '8, ciri cumferentially spaced portions 210 of the ,upperhub are bent upwardly and notchedlatl 21d,intermediate their ends, to receive the inner portions 24b, 25b of the upper and lower arms of the respective frames and're: leasably retain the frames in an expanded condition throu'gh an openingin thepost. Thus," the upperthrust bearing 35 supports the weight of the foldable frame structure a'ndthe lowerthrust bearing effectively supports thepanelsand the articles carried thereby.

l The upper panel connector member 14 is also preferablydisposedinwardly. of the panels and includes a rigid frame structure 48 having a configuration corre- The frames can be selectively folded by moving the armh portions 24b,25b upwardly. out of the notches 21dandspondingtothe opening inwardly of the panels as best shown in" FIG,.3Q The rigid frame48 has outwardly extending studs 48a at each sidlefwhich are adapted to extend through an'opening in a corresponding one of the panelsandto receive fastending nuts 45b to rigidly interconnect the upper panel sectionslZa. A bracket 49 is conveniently provided in the upper connector 14 for- (notshown) that estends above,

mountingadisplay sign the displayrack.

Various different'brackets can be utilized for mounting articles on the display panels. in thepreferred enibodiment,displaypanels l2 arefo nned of perforated board having openings arranged in rows and columns and adapted to receive various different types of article support hooks. some of which are shown atSO in FIGS 2 and 4.The details of the-articlesupport hooks form description is deemed unnecessary.

no part of the present inventioin and furtherdetailed From the foregoing it is felt'that the and it use of the display rack will be readily u'nderstoodQAs previously described, the post 11 is igi y but detach i;

ably secured to the base so that it can be removed to facilitate packaging of the post in the same plane as the base. Further. panels 12 can be removed and the foldable frame structure 13 can be collapsed to a generally flattened condition as shown in FIG. 8for storage in' a I flat package. Further; display panels 12; are divided lengthwise into two endwise abutting sections so asto post; and meanson said post engaging said frame structure forro'tatably supporting the frame structure at a selected level on th'e post, said frame structure including'hub me'ans, a plurality of frames each including upper and lower anns attached at one end to said hub means and first and second upright channels secured to opposite sides of the upper and lower anns of each frame atlocations spaced outwardly from the hub means. the frames being mounted on the hub means for relative movement betweenan expanded position in which the framesare angularly spaced apart around the allow storage in a relatively shortpackage and the'foldable frame structure 13 is also made short ascompared to the overall height of the display rackso as to'be receivable in the same relatively short packagewiththe display panels.

The rack of the present invention thus allows packag ing of relatively tall rack, for example of the order of six or seven feet tall, in a relatively short flat package having a combined length and girth within themaximum package limits of 108 inches of some package carriers.

Further, different height display, racks can be made: without changing the size of the foldable frame structure. in this regard it will be seen that different length panel sections can be utilized and that the thrust bearings and can be located at different positions along the posts, as by inserting the support pin 36, 38 through holes disposed at different locations along the post. Further, since the foldable frame and panels are adapted to be received in a package which is shorter as compared to the overall height of the display panel. it is possible to achieve a higher carton density, that is the a package can be dimensioned in relation to the size of the panel sections and frame structure to provide a higher weight per unit of volume to further minimize shipping costs. in addition, since the foldable frame structure is short as compared to the overall height of the display rack, a saving on material is achieved which also reduces the cost of manufacturing the display rack as well as the shipping weight of the overall rack.

Although the display panels are divided lengthwise into two separate sections, and the frame structure is short as compared to the overall heightof the display panels, the display panels are yet rigidly supported in' ture and the separate upper and lower panel connectors 14, 15, when the rack is erected. The foldable frame structure 13 engages the adjacent ends of the upper and lower panel sections to rigidly support the display panels in angularly spaced relation and the separate upper and lower panel connectors l4, is interconnect the panel sections at locations respectively above and below the foldable frame structure. The upper hub 21 and the auxiliary hub 42 closely surround hub meansand acollapsed position in which adjacent ones 'of the frames arein sidewise adjacent relation for reception in a relativelyflat package. the upright channels on adjacent sides of adjacent frames defining oppositely facing pairs of channels when the frames are in their expanded position; and a plurality of vertically elongated display panels, each having opposite side edges thereof slidablyextending into a respective pair of oppositelyfacing channels on adjacent frames, the

improvement'comprising' said frames each having a vertical lengthwhichis substantially sh'orter'than said vertically elongated display "panels and said display -panelsQeachcomprise-separatempper and lower panel sections'having'their adjacent ends in abutting relation ata location intermediate the upper and lower ends of channels on the frame structure, said upper and lower panel section respectively extending above and below the frame structure, a lower panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said lower panel sections at a level below said foldable frame structure, and upper panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said upper panel sections at a level above said foldable frame structure.

2. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said frame structure has a vertical length no longer than the length of one of said panel sections.

- 3. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said lower panel connector means includes a bottom hub member closely surrounding said post to be radially loeated thereby.

4. A display rack according to claim 3 wherein said i hub means for said foldable frame structure includes angularly spaced relation by the foldable frame'strucupper and lower hub members respectively connected to said upper and lower means, said upper hub member on-saidfoldableframe structure closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby and said lower hub member on said foldable frame structure being radially spaced from said post to accommodate axial misalignment of the several hub members.

5. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotatably supporting said frame structure includes a first thrist bearing means on the post engaging the post to radially support the frame structure and panels on the post 11 while the lower hub 22 onthe said'hub means on the foldable frame structure. and a second thrust bearing means on the post engaging said 7 lower panel connector means for supporting the panels against downward movement.

6. A display rack according to claim I wherein said frames of said foldable frame structure each have a member spaced outwardly from the upright channels thereon and providing a handle for turning the rack.

7. in an upright revolvable display rack including a base. a center post extending upwardly from the base. a foldable frame structure rotatably mounted on said post. and means on said post engaging said frame structure for rotatably supporting the frame structure at a selected level on the post, said frame structure includ ing hub means. a plurality of frames each including upper and lower arms attached at one end to said hub means and first and second upright channels secured to opposite sides of the upper and lower arms of each frame at locations spaced outwardly from the hub means. the frames being mounted on the hub means for relative movement between an expanded position in which the frames are angularly spaced apart around the hub means and a collapsed position in which adjacent ones of the frames are in sidewise adjacent relation for reception in a relatively flat package. the upright channels on adjacent sides of adjacent frames defining oppositely facing pairs of channels when the frames are in their expanded position. and a plurality of vertically elongated display panels each having opposite side edges thereof slidably extending into a respective pair of oppositely facing channels on adjacent frames. the improvement comprising said frames of said foldable frame structure. each have a vertical length which is substantially shorter than said vertically elongated display panels and said display panels each comprise separate upper and lower panel sections having their adjacent ends in abutting relation at a location intermediate the upper and lower ends of the foldable frame structure. at least the lower panel sections extending below the lower end of the foldable frame structure. a lower panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for rigidly interconnecting said lower panel sections at a level below said foldable frame structure and thrust bearing means on said post engaging said lower panel connector means for supporting the panels against downward movement.

8. A display rack according to claim 7 wherein said lower panel connector means includes a bottom hub member closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby.

9. A display rack according to claim 8 wherein said hub means for said foldable frame structure includes upper and lower hub members respectively connected to said upper and lower arms. said upper hub member on said foldable frame structure closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby and said lower hub member on said foldable frame structure being radially spaced from said post to accommodate axial misalignment of the several hub members.

10. A display rack according to claim 9 wherein said upper panel sections extend above said foldable frame structure. and upper panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said upper panel sections at a level above said foldable frame structure.

ll. A display rack according to claim 7 wherein said frames each have a member spaced outwardly from the upright channels thereon and providing a handle for turning the rack.

12. A display rack according to claim 7 wherein said upper panel sections extend above said foldable frame structure, and upper panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said upper panel sections at a level above said foldable frame structure.

t I I i II 

1. In an upright revolvable display rack including a base, a center post extending upwardly from the base, a foldable frame structure rotatably mounted on said post, and means on said post engaging said frame structure for rotatably supporting the frame structure at a selected Level on the post, said frame structure including hub means, a plurality of frames each including upper and lower arms attached at one end to said hub means and first and second upright channels secured to opposite sides of the upper and lower arms of each frame at locations spaced outwardly from the hub means, the frames being mounted on the hub means for relative movement between an expanded position in which the frames are angularly spaced apart around the hub means and a collapsed position in which adjacent ones of the frames are in sidewise adjacent relation for reception in a relatively flat package, the upright channels on adjacent sides of adjacent frames defining oppositely facing pairs of channels when the frames are in their expanded position, and a plurality of vertically elongated display panels each having opposite side edges thereof slidably extending into a respective pair of oppositely facing channels on adjacent frames, the improvement comprising said frames each having a vertical length which is substantially shorter than said vertically elongated display panels and said display panels each comprise separate upper and lower panel sections having their adjacent ends in abutting relation at a location intermediate the upper and lower ends of channels on the frame structure, said upper and lower panel section respectively extending above and below the frame structure, a lower panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said lower panel sections at a level below said foldable frame structure, and upper panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said upper panel sections at a level above said foldable frame structure.
 2. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said frame structure has a vertical length no longer than the length of one of said panel sections.
 3. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said lower panel connector means includes a bottom hub member closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby.
 4. A display rack according to claim 3 wherein said hub means for said foldable frame structure includes upper and lower hub members respectively connected to said upper and lower means, said upper hub member on said foldable frame structure closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby and said lower hub member on said foldable frame structure being radially spaced from said post to accommodate axial misalignment of the several hub members.
 5. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotatably supporting said frame structure includes a first thrist bearing means on the post engaging said hub means on the foldable frame structure, and a second thrust bearing means on the post engaging said lower panel connector means for supporting the panels against downward movement.
 6. A display rack according to claim 1 wherein said frames of said foldable frame structure each have a member spaced outwardly from the upright channels thereon and providing a handle for turning the rack.
 7. In an upright revolvable display rack including a base, a center post extending upwardly from the base, a foldable frame structure rotatably mounted on said post, and means on said post engaging said frame structure for rotatably supporting the frame structure at a selected level on the post, said frame structure including hub means, a plurality of frames each including upper and lower arms attached at one end to said hub means and first and second upright channels secured to opposite sides of the upper and lower arms of each frame at locations spaced outwardly from the hub means, the frames being mounted on the hub means for relative movement between an expanded position in which the frames are angularly spaced apart around the hub means and a collapsed position in which adjacent ones of the frames are in sidewise adjacent relation for reception in a relatively flat package, the upright channels on adjacent sides of adjacent frames definIng oppositely facing pairs of channels when the frames are in their expanded position, and a plurality of vertically elongated display panels each having opposite side edges thereof slidably extending into a respective pair of oppositely facing channels on adjacent frames, the improvement comprising said frames of said foldable frame structure, each have a vertical length which is substantially shorter than said vertically elongated display panels and said display panels each comprise separate upper and lower panel sections having their adjacent ends in abutting relation at a location intermediate the upper and lower ends of the foldable frame structure, at least the lower panel sections extending below the lower end of the foldable frame structure, a lower panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for rigidly interconnecting said lower panel sections at a level below said foldable frame structure and thrust bearing means on said post engaging said lower panel connector means for supporting the panels against downward movement.
 8. A display rack according to claim 7 wherein said lower panel connector means includes a bottom hub member closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby.
 9. A display rack according to claim 8 wherein said hub means for said foldable frame structure includes upper and lower hub members respectively connected to said upper and lower arms, said upper hub member on said foldable frame structure closely surrounding said post to be radially located thereby and said lower hub member on said foldable frame structure being radially spaced from said post to accommodate axial misalignment of the several hub members.
 10. A display rack according to claim 9 wherein said upper panel sections extend above said foldable frame structure, and upper panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said upper panel sections at a level above said foldable frame structure.
 11. A display rack according to claim 7 wherein said frames each have a member spaced outwardly from the upright channels thereon and providing a handle for turning the rack.
 12. A display rack according to claim 7 wherein said upper panel sections extend above said foldable frame structure, and upper panel connector means separate from said foldable frame structure for interconnecting said upper panel sections at a level above said foldable frame structure. 